Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings material or benefit financially in any way.

Authors Note: A different storyline for Éomer that's been bouncing around in my head for a while;) The chapters are on the long side and the elvish is pieced together out of a few Sindarin dictionaries found on-line. Please review! Enjoy!

Chapter 1 – An Ally in Dark Times

From high in the forest canopy she gazed out over the rolling plains of Rohan. It was a bright sunny morning; there were no clouds in the sky. The flowing sea of grass called to her, each waving blade of grass beckoned to her. Nárwyn sighed as she tore her eyes from the inviting space to watch the forest edge. She was one of the Watchers, a guardian of Fangorn and protector of the trees. Her duty to keep the trees safe kept her in the forest. Today was no different, as much as she wanted to take one of the mares across the open plain she stayed at her post. It was too dangerous now, the darkness was spreading.

It was late in the morning when movement along the tree line to the south caught her eye. It was a band of Uruk-hai, maybe fifteen or so, well equipped. She climbed to another tree to get a better view of the enemy. This was nearly a daily occurrence now to see Uruk-hai running unchecked in Rohan. The failed battles at the Fords have only made things worse. Nárwyn has only seen one willing to continue the fight among the Rohirrim, Éomer the Third Marshal of the Riddermark. He had captured her attention through his bravery and his loyalty to his men. The young Marshal was an intimidating sight in battle, his attack were so fierce she had seen many enemies flee in terror from his charge. She felt an attraction to him that she could not explain; he seemed to call to her… enticing her show herself to him. She had never felt such feelings, not in the centuries she had observed from the trees.

Nárwyn was so intrigued with this man she had even beseeched her father to assist him and his fight against the Uruk-hai. After a long argument her father relented and allowed her to intervene when she felt it necessary. That was the beginning of her precarious relationship with the Third Marshal. It had been six months since the night she approached him as he camped with his men along her borders. Heavily cloaked in the shadows of the night she spoke with him from the safety of the forest. Nárwyn told him her name but nothing of her father or her people. She explained her role as a Watcher and offered her assistance with tracking the Uruk-hai. Éomer was doubtful of her allegiance at first, she could not blame him. Saruman's deceptions were great and trust in these dark times was difficult to come by. Over a course of several weeks after their meeting, Nárwyn had proven her worth to the Marshal; her scouting reports were accurate beyond compare. Many times she had joined in the battles from the trees, killing the orcs with her arrows from the safety of the tree branches above. On more than one occasion her well placed arrows had saved Éomer's life. Her actions forged a trust with the Marshal even though they had not spoken since that night. Through a series of small notes attached to arrows and left in the trees, the two had developed a friendship over the several months.

Nárwyn watched the Uruk-hai for a few moments longer before she jumped to a nearby tree and ran across the branches. Even though she was only half elf she had been gifted with the dexterity that surpassed even most of the full blooded elves she knew. She moved quickly across the tops of the trees, heading north to where Éomer and his men frequently camped. For the remainder of the afternoon she ran, hoping Éomer would not be there. The Uruk-hai were heading north along the forest edge, she hoped if Éomer was there that there was enough time to warn him before the orcs were upon them.

She was nearing the small clearing and started to descend from the canopy through the trees to the ground. Nárwyn swung from the far branch and twisted and landed soundly in the clearing, startling the few men and horses that were there. This was the first time she had shown herself to the Rohirrim, there was no time to stay hidden and send a note on an arrow like before. The men had their swords drawn as she approached them.

"Éomer! There is a company of at least fifteen Uruk-hai headed this way. Where are the rest of your men?" she asked, her voice heavy with concern. A tall man with blond hair wearing a decorative helm with a long white tassel of horse tail approached her with a confused expression on his face.

"Nárwyn?" he asked even though he knew her voice as soon as she spoke. "They are at the village about two leagues to the east of here…"

"We have no time," she said briskly. Nárwyn flung back her cloak and readied her bow and arrows for the incoming Uruk-hai. She noticed Éomer just standing there staring at her. "Ready yourself! I cannot fight them on my own," she said harshly. Éomer snapped out of his daze and started issuing commands to the few men he had. He quickly mounted his horse and waited, he knew that the situation was grave if Nárwyn had risked revealed herself. For the last several months she would normally leave an arrow with a note on it with scouting information, there must not have been time for that. Éomer was shocked to finally see his ally, he had known she was an elf maiden but he was awestruck at how beautiful and delicate she was. This was not the time or place to ponder that now, he chided himself. The sounds of clanking armor and growling could be heard from the south.

"They have our scent now… there are no other options," Nárwyn stated as she drew back her bow releasing her arrow as the first Uruk-hai broke through the underbrush towards them; four Uruk-hai were dead before the rest reached them in the clearing. Éomer and his men charged swinging their swords and hacking down the Uruk-hai as their horses trampled the survivors. The Uruk-hai in the rear of the group saw Nárwyn to the side with her bow and closed in her. Éomer watched in horror as three large Uruk-hai surrounded her. He tried to get to her as he slashed the throat of an Uruk but knew he could not reach her as two more Uruk-hai charged his horse. Nárwyn tossed her bow to the side and drew her two short swords as the Uruk-hai advanced; she twirled them around and waited. The Uruk-hai circled her; the first blow was easily deflected as she used both of her blades to parry the Uruk's sword. She twisted and spun, disarming the Uruk-hai before slicing its throat with her blade. Éomer had just finished off the second Uruk-hai when he watched in amazement as Nárwyn gracefully and effortlessly killed the other two Uruks. He had never seen anyone fight like her; it was almost like a dance as she twirled and spun with her blades. His distraction was his folly as an Uruk blade pierced his side; he let out a cry and quickly brought his sword down and cleaved the Uruk-hai's head in two. Éomer clutched his side as he assisted his men in killing the remaining Uruks. Nárwyn retrieved her arrows from the fallen Uruks and finished off a few of the wounded Uruks that were still alive. Her eyes searched for his as she walked towards the horsemen. Something is wrong she thought as her eyes met his then trailed down and focused on his bloodied armor, she rushed to his side.

"You are wounded," she said, fear clutched at the edges of her heart. Nárwyn looked at his men, "Help him down," she ordered. "Bring him over here next to the trees." The men did not hesitate and assisted Éomer off his horse, his legs gave out and they half carried, half dragged him to the elf maiden who was sitting in the grass going through her shoulder pack. "Help me with his armor," she said. Nárwyn and the men quickly removed Éomer's chest piece so she could treat the wound. Éomer tried to protest but Nárwyn shushed him as she used her dagger to cut some cloth from her bag into strips. The wound scared her, it was too close to many vital organs, a dread started to invade her mind as she checked the wound, carefully pressing around its edges before retrieving a small bottle from her bag. She looked to the two soldiers assisting her. "You will need to hold him down," she said as she pulled the cork with her teeth. The men quickly did her bidding and pressed Éomer shoulders down. Nárwyn gave him a sympathetic look, "this will hurt… I am sorry." She dumped the contents of the bottle on the wound; the fluid hissed and bubbled as Éomer cried out in pain and struggled against the men holding him down. She hoped the nên nestadren would help him. Nárwyn rested a comforting hand on his brow as the liquid forced out the poisons and filth from the Uruk-hai's blade. After a few minutes the liquid calmed and ran clear from the wound, Nárwyn gave a silent thanks to Eru for this, there was hope now. Nárwyn wiped the wound clean and applied a salve from a small container; she enlisted his men's help in bandaging him. Exhausted Éomer laid on the ground, his breathing irregular but slowly returning to normal. He tried to remain awake but it was futile, his eyes focused on the beautiful woman hovering over him for a moment before darkness claimed his sight.

-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-

Éomer woke abruptly and looked around, his eyes focused on the woman sitting next to him. He watched Nárwyn grind up some herbs with a mortar and pestle, she was humming a song… he did not know the tune but it made him feel at ease. He looked around for his men; he saw them stacking the bodies of the Uruk-hai a distance away… she must have sent his men off to clean up the carcasses while she tended to him. His eyes trailed back to her, he was still shocked over her appearance and her fighting abilities; she was as deadly as she was beautiful. Her long copper red hair bound in a series of braids and curls draped over her shoulder as she worried over the herbs in the bowl she was holding. Her delicate facial features were in stark contrast to the armor she wore, the rigid decorative black leather and delicate golden chainmail seemed out of place. It was as if she was a series of contradictions… soft yet hardened, delicate yet strong, graceful yet brutal, beautiful and dangerous… it was hard for him to comprehend that all those qualities could be encompassed in one person. Éomer was intrigued by her and felt a longing to know more about her. Over the several months she had been assisting him, he could not get her voice out of his head, nor did the sweet scent of honeysuckle go unnoticed. Everything she seemed to touch, the arrows, the notes and the string… they all carried a faint scent of honeysuckle. He could smell it now as she sat next to him on the ground; it overwhelmed his senses in a pleasant way. Her presence calmed him, he could not explain it but his heart felt light; he had not experienced this since before Théodred's death.

"Thank you," he said simply. There were no words that could really describe the gratitude he felt at the moment. Nárwyn smiled at him, it seemed to light up her face making her more beautiful. Éomer didn't know how that was possible for her to be more beautiful to him but she was and he felt his chest constrict as he gazed upon her.

"Well I couldn't leave you to die; you make these border assignments more exciting… without you I'd just be sitting in trees all day." She gave him sly grin as returned her attention to the herbs in her bowl. Éomer stared at her wide-eyed for a moment before he chuckled and stopped himself as pain radiated from his wound.

"I am glad I provide you with some excitement my lady. I wouldn't want you to be so bored you fall out of one of the trees," he joked in return. Nárwyn laughed, it was musical sound that warmed his heart, it drew the attention of his men as well who looked on with curiosity.

"I am an elf; we do not fall out of trees. Have you ever even seen an elf so much as stumble?" Éomer shook his head.

"You are the only elf I know my lady and I have not seen you be anything but graceful."

"I am only half elf and I cannot so much as stub my toe unless I do it on purpose… it is a curse we bear," she said sarcastically, Éomer smiled, he was impressed, not only was she beautiful but had a sense of humor as well. There were faint touches of humor in some of her scouting reports that always puzzled him. Now that he met the writer he understood some of the levity in her writings.

Nárwyn dug a small cup out of her bag and added a small pinch of the herbs into it before filling it with water. "This will help with the pain and quicken the healing. Let me help you sit up enough to drink," she said as she leaned towards him and slid her arm under his neck and gently leaned him forward. Éomer was acutely aware of her closeness as she pressed the cup to his lips. "Slowly…" she murmured as she cradled his head in her arm. He leaned into her as he drank, enjoying the intimacy he felt with her at that moment… it ended all to quickly as her warmth and touch were removed as she laid his head back down.

Nárwyn checked his wound and laid her hands on his forehead and cheeks checking him for signs of fever. When she was satisfied with her inspection she covered him tightly with his cloak. His eyes were closed, the herbs she had given him appeared to be working and he would rest now. She went to stand up when his arm shot out from under the cloak and grabbed her hand, startled she sat back down on the grass.
"Don't go…" he whispered as his hand clenched hers. Nárwyn could tell he was fighting the effects of the medicine she had given him. She leaned forward and with her free hand laid a reassuring hand on his cheek.

"Rest Éomer… I will stay the night. Sleep or you will not heal," she said gently. She felt his grip go slack on her hand and she tucked his arm back under the cloak. Nárwyn sat next to him for a while watching to make sure he slept peacefully. More of Éomer's men had returned while she was caring for him. The air was starting to take on a chill, they would need a fire soon she thought but she didn't want to leave Éomer unattended. His men would need to gather wood and build the fire. They stood around looking wary at her as she approached them.

"We will need firewood from the forest floor. He will need to stay warm tonight or fever will overtake him," she looked expectantly the men. She saw one of them men reach for an ax strapped to his saddle. "Only cast off branches, if you harm the trees they will retaliate," she warned. They had all heard the stories of Fangorn and the man immediately backed away from the ax. Nárwyn smirked as they look at the forest apprehensively. "Go! The forest will not harm you if your intentions are honorable." Two of the younger soldiers tentatively entered to forest.

"When did we start taking orders from a woman?" asked one of the newcomers from the village. He was a short man with a large scar down his cheek and a greying beard. Nárwyn's eyes narrowed as she glared at the man. This was not the time for this idiocy she thought… Éomer's life could be in jeopardy and this fool doesn't want a woman telling him what to do.

Nárwyn felt her patience wane, "You do as I say because it will save your commander. If you do not wish for him to live, by all means ignore my requests," she said sharply, her hand going to instinctively to the hilt of her sword at her waist. Gamling, one of the men that were with them when they battled the Uruk-hai stepped in between them.

"Enough Hérmod! The lady Nárwyn is the only reason why we live, without her warning and help those of us that stayed behind would have perished. She saved Lord Éomer, do not doubt her. She is better with a blade and bow than any who ride here." The man snorted and leered at Nárwyn, looking her up and down.

"I'm sure she knows how to handle a blade," Hérmod said not hiding the contempt in his voice. Before Gamling could say or do anything Nárwyn had her blades drawn and had knocked Hérmod to the ground. One of her blades was now pressed against his throat as she leaned forward, her face a mask of calm.

"What say you now little man?" she hissed. "You are no different than the Dunlending cowards who beat their women and sell them as breeding stock to Saruman for his Uruk-hai," she spat. "The only thing that is staying my hand from gutting you here in the grass is respect for Éomer… I suggest you do not try my patience farther or I will feed you to the trees." At that moment there were several loud creaking sounds from the forest trees that seemed to emphasis her point. The riders looked towards the forest, fear evident on their faces. From behind her she heard Éomer stirring. She stepped back and sheaved her swords. A visibly shaken Hérmod quickly scrambled to his feet as he backed away from Nárwyn. She looked back to see Éomer trying to sit up, she rushed to his side. He waved her off and glared at his rider.

"You disgrace us all with your behavior Hérmod. I will deal with you when we reach Edoras. Now go gather firewood as Lady Nárwyn asked and you better pray that the trees do not take offense of your insults to their protector," said Éomer in an ominous but weary voice. Hérmod bowed and muttered his apologies as he hurried towards the forest. "The rest of you… Lady Nárwyn speaks with my voice this evening. You will do as she says and respectfully. Do you understand?" The remaining men nodded and bowed and began to work on setting up camp. Éomer lowered himself back to the ground in obvious pain as Nárwyn knelt down at his side. She quickly checked him for fever, brushing the back of her hand across his forehead and down his cheek.

"You need to sleep if you want to be well enough to ride to Edoras," she said as she raised the cloak to check his wound. There was new blood coating the bandage… a lot of blood, Nárwyn cursed under her breath.

"I am sorry," he said. "Hérmod will wish he had never opened his mouth." Nárwyn shook her head.

"He is but an annoyance and little else, please do not concern yourself with it." The flesh was not mending as it should be, she could feel it. Someplace inside, he was bleeding. She looked at his face, it was pale and he looked so very tired, she felt his life force dimming.

"You should not have to tolerate scorn from men like Hérmod," he said as his eyes threatened to close. Nárwyn gave him a sad smile and rested a hand on his cheek. Foolish man she thought, he was worried about her feelings as his life withered. She felt tears start to fill her eyes as she stroked his cheek. Éomer reached a trembling hand up and wiped away a tear that escaped her eyes.

"Beautiful lady… do not cry for me, I knew it would end like this…" His eyes closed and his hand slowly dropped from her face. Nárwyn felt a moment of panic as she felt his neck… he was still alive but barely. It wasn't until that moment that she realized how much this man had meant to her. All these months of helping him had brought a great change to her life, happiness she rarely experience. The thought of his death brought great anguish to her. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his forehead. She could not let him die, not now…

"Mell melui dîr, dartha cuin an nin," she whispered. She looked up at the sky, her tears openly flowing now.

"Eru!" she called. "Na nin cuil calad! Nesta Éomer! Iuitha nin ant, anna nin cuil na Éomer." Her voice lingered on the wind. Éomer's men watched in distress as the elf maiden call out, tears running down her face as she clung to their commander. They feared the worst, the wound was grave… Éomer was dying. The riders bowed their heads and clasped each other's arms. The wind started to pick up, blowing tree leaves around at their feet. Nárwyn didn't notice the wind or leaves as they swirled around her as she hugged Éomer. The force of the wind increased and she looked up. The air around her and Éomer was shimmering as golden strands of light weaved through the air. It was beautiful to see as the colors danced in the wind that surrounded them. The speed picked up, the lights and wind whirled faster, Nárwyn felt dizzy, like the air was being pulled from her lungs. She grabbed at her throat in a panic, her fingers digging at her delicate skin. As quickly as it started the wind suddenly died down and the leaves fell to the ground. Nárwyn gasped for breath, her throat and lungs were burning. She looked around and saw Éomer 's men looking on from the distance, the shock was apparent on their faces. Nárwyn sat back breathing heavy, she felt so very tired. She slowly reached for the cloak to cover him back up before collapsing at his side. She wondered how much of her light had been taken away to save his life, it scared her.

He would recover; he would not die…this much she knew. What fate awaited her, she did not know.

-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-

The sun had set and the riders had settled into camp, cooking food on the fire and talking amongst themselves. The threat of the Marshal's death appeared gone; they discussed in hushed whispers what they had seen. They stayed away from Nárwyn as she remained vigilant at Éomer's side. Gamling was the only one willing to approach her, he brought over a small plate of fire roasted potatoes and carrots for her. He handed her the plate, "It's not much and I'm not much of a cook but it will get you through the night," he said as he sat down next to her.

"Thank you, anything will be better than more lembas bread… it's all I've had to eat for the last week," she said as she ate the roasted vegetables.

"Is he going to be alright?" ask Gamling. "I've seen similar wounds and death always followed…" Nárwyn could see the concern in the soldier's face, his men worried when they should not.

"He will live… you can ease your mind of that worry," she said as leaned forward and placed a gentle hand on Éomer's brow.

"He is very lucky to have you as a friend my lady," commented Gamling. Nárwyn smiled at Gamling. He wanted to ask her about the wind and the other things he saw but he knew she used elven magic and thought it best not to question her about it, he was just happy Éomer would live.

"I am glad to be his friend," she said softly as she gazed on Éomer's sleeping form. "He needs many to stand against the evils of Isengard." Gamling nodded.

"We were all worried when he told us about the women in the forest that spoke with him. Some questioned his mind, others worried it was an agent of Saruman that was leading him astray. Until today I had my doubts… I was afraid we were being lured into a trust only to be deceived in the end," Gamling said as he looked into the campfire.

"I was worried about revealing too much… worried about what that might do to my people. I felt I had to protect them. That didn't matter to me today when I saw how few of you were here and how many Uruk-hai were coming, it still doesn't… All I could think about was protecting… him," she said quietly. The revelation startled her, she did not know when her priorities had shifted but it was true.

"Will you be coming back to Edoras with us?" asked Gamling. Nárwyn shook her head no; she had to go back to Wellinghall to talk to her father. Gamling frowned, "Things are not going well in Edoras for Lord Éomer since Théodred's death… the King is not well and there are those who capitalize on it."

"Is he in danger?" Nárwyn asked. She had not expected this; she assumed he would be safe in his own capital city.

"I am not sure, it has been weeks since we were at Edoras, many things could have changed," replied Gamling. He was worried that Grima had seized more power in Éomer absence and Éowyn would be unable to stop it.

Nárwyn sighed and buried her face in her hands, she could feel a headache coming on… one of the many things to remind her she was only half elf.

"When I get back to my father's house I will send a means for you to contact me… one of our falcons or hawks. If it is as hostile as you feel it is can you send me word? I do not know what I'll do but I will try to find a way to help," she said as she rubbed her temples. This complicates things even more, she thought. Father would not be pleased and if he will not lend aid then who will?

"Thank you my lady." Gamling stood up, "If you need anything I will be over by the horses." She nodded and returned her gaze to Éomer. Nárwyn reached up and checked his brow again for fever, there was none yet her fingers lingered. She brushed his golden strands of hair out of the way, his face was calm and free of the worry lines she had frequently seen from her post in the trees. So many things weighed heavy on this man… she hoped that she could help him bear the burden.

-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-

The dark sky was fading into a hazy purple as the sun started to work its way towards the eastern sky. Nárwyn sat at Éomer's side, wrapped tightly in her cloak with her knees drawn to her chest, she rested her chin on her knees as she watched him sleep. He slumbered peacefully, snug under the blankets she had received from his men. There was still no trace of fever yet she worried, even if he was able to mount his horse and ride to Edoras she would still be worried. She was having a hard time coming to grips with these alien emotions. Never before had it been as apparent as now that she was half human. All of the years with her father's people had sheltered her from her humanity. Éomer had brought out that dormant aspect of her and left her feeling vulnerable in this unfamiliar landscape. How could this one man's friendship take nearly five hundred years of certainty and crush it to dust at her feet? The only thing she knew without a doubt was that things could not go back to the way they were before. Her life had taken a new path, there was no going back.

The sun had arrived, it's rays spreading out across the plain and with it the camp started to wake. Gamling came over to check on her and Éomer and was pleased to hear there was no fever over the night. He brought her a handful of dried fruit and nuts that she graciously accepted. She sat there nibbling on her breakfast when Éomer's eyes started to flutter open. Nárwyn smiled and leaned over to check him for any sign of fever.

"I thought you were a dream…" said Éomer, his voice husky with sleep. "I am not dead…"

"No, you will live… at least until you grow careless in battle again." she scolded as she moved the blankets so she could remove the bandage.

"You healed me… how?" Nárwyn and gave him a tired look.

"It is not important how… it is done," she said quietly. "Now let me check this wound and see how well the healing has taken." Éomer could tell something had happened but he didn't press the matter, whatever it was had cost her something, that much was obvious…she seemed so tired.

Nárwyn pulled the bandage back and gasped, a shaky hand came up to her mouth. Éomer quickly sat up and looked at his side, the wound was gone. He looked at the troubled woman before him. "How?" he asked in a quiet voice. "What did you do Nárwyn? How is this possible?"

"Nin amarth, nin gwanath... rîdh," she whispered. Nárwyn looked up him, "Your life has been spared Éomer son of Éomund, do not waste this gift." She stood up abruptly and offered him her hand. Éomer took her hand; he slowly stood up to the cheers of his men. Several riders rushed forward to talk to him, as if reassuring themselves that their commander was fit and healthy. Many of the riders stopped and bowed to her, praising her and thanking her on their way to their commander.

Nárwyn used the distraction to gather her things, she needed to get back to Wellinghall and ask Lháewnis her mentor what all of this meant If anyone would know it would be Lháewnis, she could tell her what price she would have to pay for Éomer's life. She waved Gamling over to her.

"My lady it is a miracle, I have never seen a wound healed overnight! You truly are gifted healer," he praised her. Nárwyn smiled sadly… if only it were that simple she thought.

"Can you make sure he takes these herbs every night before bed for the next week? A pinch in this cup and fill it with water?" she asked, handing Gamling a leather pouch and a small metal cup.

"Of course my lady, I'll make sure it is done." Gamling looked at her and frowned. "Are you leaving?" Nárwyn nodded as she swung her bow over her shoulder.

"I have more questions than answers right now. It will take me a few days to travel across Fangorn on foot, I should head out now if I want to reach the Entwash by tomorrow afternoon," Nárwyn said as she fixed the strap on her bag.

"You will reach Entwash by tonight if you ride with me," said a deep voice from behind her. Éomer rested his hand on her shoulder and slowly turned her to face him. "It is the least I can do to repay you for saving my life.. again," he said with a smile. As much as she wanted to protest, Nárwyn could not for some unknown reason refuse him; she nodded and was surprised when he pulled her into an embrace. "Thank you," he said softly. She closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest, calm she had not experience before flowed through her and an overwhelming sense of safety filled her. As she lingered in his embrace, Nárwyn was engulfed with a feeling of weariness so powerful she felt herself lean heavily on Éomer as her legs seemed to lose interest in supporting her. His arms tightened around her.

"Sorry, I'm just a little tired…" she murmured as she stood back regaining her balance. Éomer frowned and cupped her chin with his hand, raising her eyes to meet his.

"You are exhausted. When did you last sleep?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Nárwyn gave him a tired smile.

"Elves don't need to sleep often… a few days ago, maybe five," she said stifling a yawn. Éomer shook his head and gave her a disapproving look.

"You are only half elf…" he reminded her.

"She kept watch over you all night… never left your side my lord," Gamling divulged. Nárwyn glared at him.

"You are not helping Gamling," she muttered. "I will be fine, this should pass." She wasn't sure who she was trying to convince, Éomer or herself. Nárwyn had been tired before but not like this, she felt drained. She was feeling the ill effects of losing some of her light, she had hoped it would pass but she did not know the answer to that question… Lháewnis will know.

"You will ride with me, you can sleep then," Éomer decided. "Gamling help me with my armor so we can leave shortly." He turned and went to his horse Firefoot where his armor had been left. Nárwyn stopped Gamling as he passed.

"How does one sleep on a horse?" she asked. The whole idea seemed silly; she'd fall asleep and slide right off the back of the horse.

"My lord will hold on to you… don't worry you will not fall." Gamling hurried over to Éomer. Nárwyn felt her face flush and panic set in. She was not going to deny the growing attraction she felt for the Marshal, it seemed even worse now, the thought of being that close to him sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Her eyes wandered to the forest, the same forest that had protected her for centuries seemed to be openly mocking her now.

She watched with trepidation as Éomer mounted his horse and approached her. Gamling took her bow and pack and tied it to the saddle. She looked up at Éomer, he was in his full armor and helm… just the way she had first saw him as he gallantly charged a small horde of Uruk-hai. Why did looking at him now cause butterflies in her stomach and made it difficult to breathe? Something was forever changed between them making it more difficult to be in his presence.

Éomer leaned forward offering her his arm, "Ready?" he asked with a smile. Nárwyn swallowed hard and used his arm to pull herself up in front of him on the saddle. She tried to move forward to put some space between them but the slope of the saddle prevent it and she found herself sliding back down until she was flush against him. Éomer snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, Nárwyn went rigid, her heart pounding furiously in her chest. "Relax," he said softly by her ear, his hot breath on her neck sent a shiver through her body that she could not control. "I won't let you fall." Another shiver racked her body and she realized she had started trembling. Éomer misinterpreted this as she was cold and pulled his cloak around them before wrapping his arm around her waist once again. There was no escaping now, she was wrapped in his warmth, pulled tightly against him with his breath on her neck… it was sweet agony. She was painfully aware of every sensation, the rumbling of his voice in his chest as he called out orders to his men, the friction of his thigh on the back of hers as the horse picked up speed, even the way his hand felt pressed against her stomach. She needed a distraction or Nárwyn felt her mind would be lost to the sensations that bombarded her.

"How are you feeling?" she asked. It seemed like a silly question but it was the only one she could think of.

"I feel good," he responded. "If I had to compare, I would say that I feel better now than before getting run through by an Uruk blade. I do not understand how you healed me or what you sacrificed to do it…" Éomer felt her tense at his words. "I am no fool Nárwyn, miracles come with a price and it shames me to know that you will have to pay it for me." They rode in silence for a time before Nárwyn spoke.

"I could not let you die," she said softly. "You are my friend Éomer, I do not regret it. As for the price, I do not yet know what it is… I must get back to my people, my brother or my mentor will know."

"You will tell me when you find out?" he asked.

"It is my burden; it will serve no purpose for you to worry about my fate." She really did not want him to know, to feel obligated to help her.

"We are friends and I want to be there for you and help you. It's what friends do," he reminded her. She couldn't argue with him about it, if the roles were reversed she would want to know as well. She relaxed some and leaned back into his arms, the fatigue from earlier was weighing on her.

"So you have a brother?" Éomer asked. He realized that he really didn't know all that much about Nárwyn and he desperately wanted to know everything about this beautiful woman who kept saving his life.

"I have two, Castien and Aranron, they are both older than me... a lot older. They are really my half-brothers, my father's first wife died in the final battle of the Last Alliance. What about you?" she asked as she swung her leg over to the side so she could face him, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder to support her, pulling her against his chest.

"A sister, her name is Éowyn. My uncle adopted us after our parents died; he has been like a father to us. I think that you would like my sister," he said thoughtfully. "She's been trained to fight with a sword since she was a little girl." He smiled as he thought of his sister, "she fancies herself a Shield Maiden, even though they have not existed for centuries."

"My mother was a Shield Maiden…" she said softly. Éomer gave her a bewildered look.

"When? Of what house?" he asked.

"I do not know of which house she belonged to, I just know she rode with Eorl the Young. Her name was Raelith," she said as she stifled a yawn. "My mother's life before she met my father is not discussed much." She looked up at Éomer; he had a look of complete shock on his face as he stared at her.

"Éomer?" she asked after he remained silent for a few moments.

"Your mother was the Red Maiden?" he asked, his voice was full of awe. Nárwyn frowned; she didn't understand why it was important.

"I have heard her called that… why?" she asked. Éomer looked down at woman he held in his arms, her long coppery red hair curling around her face… the same hair that was describe in the stories of his youth. A maiden with hair of fire charging into battle on a black steed… she rallied men to Eorl the Young and changed the tide of battle at Celebrant. He remembered the mural in his uncle's study of a red-haired woman on a black steed holding the first flag of Rohan. He looked at Nárwyn's who wore confused and worried expression.

"You really don't know how important your mother was to Rohan?" he asked. Nárwyn shook her head. Éomer smiled at her, "Your mother is the reason Rohan exists. She led the charge that defeated the orcs that had flanked Gondor's army the Celebrant. That battle is why Cirion, Steward of Gondor, granted the land we now ride upon to the Eorlingas." Nárwyn just stared at him, her eyes wide with shock. Why hadn't her father told her this? She suddenly felt very angry at her father and brothers… they had to of known. Éomer watched as a river of emotions flowed through her eyes. "I am sure they had their reasons for not telling you," he said softly when he saw the anger in her eyes. "At least you can ask them about it when you get back."

"All they told me was how she met my father and of her death when I was born," she muttered angrily. She closed her eyes and sighed, trying to let her ill temper abate. Éomer smirked, such fire in her he noted.

"So how did they meet? Your mother just disappeared… many thought she fell to orcs." Éomer heard her sigh as she shifted her position to rest her head on his chest. Even though it was just a simple shift to get comfortable… Éomer felt his pulse quicken at her nearness.

"My brothers have told me this story many times," Nárwyn began. "Castien does a much better job at telling it than I." She closed her eyes and started to recite the tale. "My father was walking along the borders of the forest when he heard a woman crying. He naturally went to the sound, hoping he was not too late to offer help. When he cleared the forest he found a beautiful women with long red hair crying next to a fallen horse. The horse had been galloping near the forest edge when it broke it's leg in a hole, it had thrown my mother and broke its neck in the fall. My father was moved by her tears for the fallen animal he comforted her. He helped her bury her beloved horse and escorted her into Fangorn where healers tended her wounds. He later found out that she had been running away, trying to escape a loveless marriage to some lord. My father offered her sanctuary in Fangorn and she stayed. After a while they fell in love and married, they were only together a few short years before she died giving birth to me." She looked up at Éomer; his eyes were intensely watching her. "That is all I really know."

"The lord was Eorl… she disappeared on the eve of the wedding. They searched or her for weeks and found not a trace." He looked up and motioned his men to slow so the horses could rest. "It puts things in a different perspective to know that she fled and was not taken. Your mother's disappearance is why shield maidens eventually disappeared. Men were too fearful their wives would be taken by the orcs that they did not permit them to fight at their sides anymore."

"She would be very angry to learn what happened … my brothers always said she was headstrong and quick to anger. She was not one to be subservient of her husband… to learn the women of Rohan no longer fight would have drawn her rage," she said it with a bitterness in her voice that surprised Éomer.

"What about you my lady? Does it ignite the same anger in you?" He was sure he knew the answer as soon as her green eyes met his.

"Yes," she said in a hoarse whisper.

"Then perhaps that is why your father did not tell you too much about her past…" he said prudently. Nárwyn frowned, it was true… when she was younger she may have done something rash with the knowledge of her mother's past.

"Am I that much of an open book?" she asked with a sigh. Éomer gave her a smug smile.

"Only a few pages my lady, I still have yet to read the rest," he said as his grin widened. Nárwyn's eyes narrowed.

"You presume much Marshal… I do not let just anyone gaze at my pages," she tried to sound annoyed but it was laced with amusement.

"Then I will consider myself a fortunate man to have seen what I have," he said with a sly grin that lit up his face. Nárwyn felt the butterflies in her stomach return and the heat rising to her cheeks. She turned her face away so he wouldn't see her blush.

"So you have two brothers and a father… what is his name?" Éomer asked as they picked up speed.

"My father's name is Marcous, son of Maglor of house Fëanor," she said quietly. She knew since Éomer was nephew to a king he would be educated in the history of the elves.

"You are full of surprises my lady," he said after a few minutes. " It is believed the house of Fëanor died out in the Second Age, but considering what I know of elves in Fangorn… it makes sense now. Your father is the king then?" he asked. Nárwyn nodded, she was relieved he was understanding about her lineage… she imagined most would just call her a liar not Éomer, he believed her. "I would like to meet him some day, considering my uncle's health is failing."

"I would like you to meet my family someday as well," she said sleepily. "If you or your sister ever needed some place to go, you would be welcome in Fangorn."

"We wouldn't have to climb trees would we?" he joked. Nárwyn smiled.

"Contrary to what you may think of elves, we don't live like squirrels, we have a city there… it is just hidden. You would only have to climb trees if you wanted to…" She pulled the cloak tighter around her shoulders snuggled into his chest as she started to lose her battle with sleep. Éomer tightened his hold on her as he wrapped his other arm with the reins partly around her.

Éomer watched her face as she slept, he felt his heart ache. He had been so focused on defending Rohan the past few years he never even allowed himself to think of a wife or children. Théodred had warned him that this would happen, Éomer never believed him… not until he saw her face. Then he knew without a doubt that Théodred words were true… "Cousin, one day a woman will come into your life unexpectedly and you are going to be lost to everything and everyone but her. She is either going to be your bane or your salvation."

Éomer looked down at the beautiful woman nestled in his arms, he understood now… it didn't matter if she was his salvation or his bane; he was willing to risk either to be with her… even if it was only for a moment. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead as she slept.

"Sleep well my Red Maiden."

-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-

Gamling watched as his commander bestowed a kiss on the sleeping elf maiden's brow and smiled. It warmed his heart to see such happiness and contentment on Éomer's face. For too long the young lord has been just fulfilling his duty to his country, his king… there has been no room for his own happiness. Since Théodred's death, Éomer's life has been one patrol after another, he rarely saw his sister now. Until the Lady Nárwyn offered her support Gamling was sure Éomer was looking for his death at the end of an orc spear. He watched his lord cradle the Lady Nárwyn with such gentleness; it didn't seem possible he was the same man that rode into battle with such fierceness his enemies fled before him.

"She is a distraction to him," muttered Hérmod who was riding next to him.

"Aye… a much needed one," responded Gamling.

"Maybe…" Hérmod sighed. "She risked herself to save him… did you know that?" Gamling shook his head. "When I was in the north all those years, we had dealings with the Lorien elves, I learned to speak Sindarin." The older rider urged his horse towards Gamling's and whispered. "She called to Eru, she offered her life's light so that his wound would be healed and he would live." He looked around at the other riders, "You saw it didn't you? The wind? The lights?" Gamling nodded.

"Yes I saw that, so did many others. If she offered her life, why wasn't her life taken?" Gamling glanced over at Éomer and the maiden.

"Good question, I've been thinking about it all day. The northern elves have a lot of stories about this type of thing, they are considered tragedies'. The elf sacrifices their immortality for a mortal… that is probably what the girl did." Gamling frowned.

"What does that mean?" he asked.

"That means when the commander dies, she dies or the other way around… Don't know of too many men that would make that kind of sacrifice… I should apologize to the girl when we stop. Anyone willing to do that has earned my respect."

"Who else have you told about this?" asked Gamling, a terrible thought passed through his mind.

"I haven't told anyone but you…why what are you thinking?" Hérmod asked as he looked over at the Marshal and Nárwyn.

"Imagine if Grima found out about this? What do you think he would do?" Gamling said in a hushed voice. Hérmod frowned and shook his head.

"I hadn't even thought about that. We need to talk to the others… even if he heard about the healing, he would try and find the girl, use her against Éomer." Gamling nodded.

"Start talking to the others, I'll talk to Éomer before we reach Edoras." Hérmod nodded and steered his horse to another group of riders.

-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-

It was early evening when they reached the Entwash river. The ride didn't take nearly as long as Éomer had hoped. He looked down the sleeping woman in his arms and sighed. Soon he would have to wake her, she would leave and he would be alone again. His heart despaired not knowing when he would see her again. Éomer reined in his horse and signaled for his men to stop as well. He led Firefoot to the river's edge so he could drink after the long ride. It was time to awaken her but he was not sure how he was going to do it. Éomer used his teeth to pull his riding glove off then tucked it in his belt. He reached his hand out to touch her face and noticed his hand was shaking. Willing his hand to still, he gently ran his finger down the side of Nárwyn's face. She sighed and leaned into his touch.

"Éomer…" she breathed. "nín mell mellon… nín gûr… nín cuil… " Éomer frowned, she was speaking Sindarin, for the first time in his life he wished he had listened to his uncles teachings. Nárwyn was still in the bonds of sleep when her hand reached up and cupped his cheek. " … dartha na nin… ui…" Éomer inhaled deeply and grasped her hand in his; he brought her hand to his lips and gently kissed her palm, his lips lingering longer than they should have.

"Nárwyn, we are here, you must wake," he said softly, his voice huskier than he would of liked. "Nárwyn," he said a bit louder. "Unless you want me to carry you to Edoras you should wake." He watched as her eyes began to open. Her green eyes focused on his and he saw her blush, she quickly sat up.

"I'm sorry," she said as she rubbed her eyes. "How long was I sleeping?" She looked around to gain her bearings, her eyes widened. "We are here?" her voice was full of surprise. Éomer laughed at her confusion.

"Yes my lady, you slept through the whole trip," he said. He tried to maintain good humor but loss of her soft warmth against his body was just a stark reminder that she was leaving soon.

"You held me the whole time?" she asked incredulously. Vague memories of a dream scatted across her consciousness, an image of Éomer bending down to kiss her flashed in her mind's eye, her blush darken.

"Well you would have noticed if I dropped you," he said with a smirk. She gave him a teasing grin that caused his heart to beat faster.

"Well, thank you sir for not dropping me along the way… that would have been an undesirable way to awaken," she said with a smile. She slid off the side of Firefoot to the ground and proceeded to the rear of the horse to retrieve her pack and bow. She saw one of the riders approaching; it was the one that insulted her from the other night, Hérmod.

"My lady, may I have a word?" Hérmod asked as he bowed to her. She saw Éomer approaching out of the corner of her eye, he did not look please.

"Of course," she said to Hérmod. Nárwyn looked over to Éomer. "I'll be fine," she said before following the rider away from the river. The older rider turned around and looked at her, he bowed his head.

"I wish to apologize my lady… for my actions yesterday. It was wrong of me and I deserve every last bit of shame I feel." Nárwyn felt herself relax, she was glad this was not leading into another confrontation.

"Thank you," she said simply. "I consider it forgotten." Hérmod smiled and bowed again.

"No thank you my lady for saving Lord Éomer. I know what it cost you and not many would be willing to make that kind of sacrifice." Hérmod bowed again and took his leave. Nárwyn frowned, how could this man have known what she did? And how did he know the costs? She needed to see Lháewnis and soon. There was so much she didn't understand about what happened last night. She had been desperate to save his life; she had called to Eru, something you just didn't do. There were so few stories about this and what happens when you give your light to someone, she was starting to be worried. Did it have something to do with these confused feelings and longings she had now? She hoped Lháewnis would know but now she started to have her doubts.

As much as she wanted to go home a part of her was apprehensive, she did not want to leave Éomer. She had grown attached to him, she didn't like to admit it but she was going to miss him. Her heart started to ache, a part of her wanted to ride to Edoras with him just so she could be cradled in his warm arms again. Nárwyn felt herself shiver at the thought. Between the ride and the dream she had earlier, her feelings were confused to say the least. She quickly dismissed the memories of the ride here and walked towards the forest edge where Éomer waited. Each step seemed to cause her pain, all she could think about was in a few moments he would leave and she would go home. Why was this so hard? Why did the thought of not seeing him again for a time or ever cause her so much distress? It must have been evident on her face; Éomer looked at her and his brow knotted with worried.

"Are you well my lady?" he asked, the change in her mood had him concerned. 'No I am not well,' she thought. Sadness seemed to erupt from her heart at that moment and she felt her eyes sting. She looked up at him; her eyes were wet with unshed tears. Éomer grew more concerned as one tear found its passage down her cheek. He cupped her face with his hand. "Nárwyn?" he asked softly. Éomer used his thumb to wipe away the tear just as more threatened to follow. Nárwyn closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, she placed her hand over his.

"Promise me you will be careful… that you will not take unnecessary risks," she looked up at him, her eyes pleading. Éomer felt like he couldn't breathe, his chest tightened and he could feel himself slipping into the bright green abyss of her eyes.

"I will be vigilant my lady," he said softly, his eyes searching hers. Nárwyn impulsively flung her arms around his neck pulling him into a tight embrace, the overwhelming need to feel him close overruling any restraint she had left. Éomer was startled but slowly wrapped his arms around her as she clung to him.

"That is all that I can ask …" she said softly, her breath hot on his neck. Éomer closed his eyes and tightened his hold on her. "It will be nearly a moons passing before I will return to my post. I will look for you when I return." Nárwyn leaned up her cheek resting on his and whispered in his ear, "Dartha cuin an nin". She placed a soft kiss on his cheek before pulling away from the stunned Éomer. "I have to go…" she said sadly. Nárwyn left his arms and walked into Fangorn, before the shadows claimed her, she turned looking back at him once more and then she was gone.

Éomer stood there staring into the forest for a long time; none of his men said a word. The young Marshal slowly returned to his horse, he mounted up and stared at the forest one last time.
"We ride to Edoras!" he commanded and spurred his horse south leaving his men to rush after him.

-o-o-o-O-o-o-o-

Elvish Translation:

nên nestadren - water of healing

"Mell melui dîr, dartha cuin an nin" – "Dear sweet man, stay alive for me"

"Na nin cuil calad! Nesta Éomer! Iuitha nin ant, anna nin cuil na Éomer." - "By my life light! Heal Éomer! Use my gift, give my life to Éomer"

"Nin amarth, nin gwanath... rîdh," – "My fate, my death... sown."

"nín mell mellon… nín gûr… nín cuil… " – "my dear friend, my heart, my life…"

"dartha na nin… ui"– "stay with me always"

"Dartha cuin an nin" – "Stay alive for me"